Koo Ja-wook Clears Hurdle with Multi-Hit Game, Ready for Playoffs

[Anchor]

One of the biggest variables for the professional baseball playoffs, which start the day after tomorrow on October 25, is whether injured Samsung star hitter Koo Ja-wook will be able to play. After raising his batting rhythm by hitting a multi-hit game in the final intrasquad scrimmage yesterday, Samsung manager Park Jin-man hinted at deploying him as a designated hitter.

Reporter Bae Jeonghun has the story.

[Reporter]

Koo Ja-wook, who had been sidelined since injuring his hamstring on September 30, showed a surprisingly fast recovery and was named to the starting lineup for his second intrasquad game following his return on October 19.

After smoothly completing batting and running drills before the game, he hit an extra-base, run-scoring hit in the 3rd inning and prudently stopped at first base without pushing himself. He then added a single to right field in the 7th inning to record a multi-hit game.

Manager Park Jin-man seems to have solidified his stance to include Koo in the postseason roster.

[Park Jin-man / Samsung Manager: The key player seems to be Koo Ja-wook. Defense might be a bit tough, and at best, Koo Ja-wook will likely play as a designated hitter....]

If Koo can take the starting designated hitter role as Manager Park hopes, it opens up the possibility for 43-year-old veteran Choi Hyeong-u to take the field as a left fielder.

Choi, who appeared as a left fielder in 6 games this season and also played left field in the first intrasquad game, is determined to do whatever it takes for the team.

[Choi Hyeong-u / Samsung Outfielder: (Defense) I have to do it. Naturally, we have to go out if we are told to, so I am preparing hard for that.]

Kim Young-woong, the "autumn clutch hitter" who smashed 3 home runs in last year's playoffs and piled up 12 RBIs to tie the record for most RBIs in a single postseason series, signaled a strong performance by racking up 4 hits, including an opening solo home run.

(Video by Hwang In-seok | Video Editing by Park Jung-sam)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.